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Update initiated!

!ERROR! REPAIR NEEDED. LV2 DEVICE REQUIRED.

Skill List:

Kanji (lv1): Aspect of Energy: Electricity, Thermal, Sound, Elastic.

{Skill points: !ERROR!}

[Full destructive power limit: Several Villages]

Skills: [1. Infuse/Absorb] [2. Energy travel] [3. Energy trail] [4. Energy bolt] [5. Energy wave] [6. Energy blade] [7. Energy shield] [8. Energy dual conduit] [9. Energy healing] [10. Umbral Cape]

[Vortex battery (Storage)]

Inventory: Geographic sphere, Mechanical soap, Spyware device, Tungsten-infused nanotech silver chain, Tech tablet (Portal) (Hide, Input, Output, Convert, Compress), Night-vision goggles, Blue headphones, Notepad and pencil.

Claire (lv1): Aspect of Creation

Skills: [1. Create (Slots: 10)] [2. Absorb (Only created and non-broken items)]

[Vortex battery: The Ninth Prince’s Order]

Inventory: Black cloak, Crossbow, Crossbow bolt (modified with rotatenium), Ammo pouch, Fanfics, Mechanical soap, A spyglass, Night-vision goggles, Medicine belt (sling bag and pockets for syringes), UV flashlight, A safari hat, A dumbbell, 20 Flesh syringes, 20 Healing Bandages, Giant fan.

David (lv1): Aspect of Form

{Skill points: !ERROR!}

[Range limit: Room]

[Vortex battery (Control)]

Skills: [1. Expand (x2)] [2. Spikefacation] [3. Delay (1-10s)] [4. Shieldfacation] [5. Trigger] [6. Transform pattern Wave] [7. Net Transform] [8. Whip transform] [9. Blend around] [10. Uno]

Inventory: Tungsten bat, AK-47, Mechanical soap, Night-vision goggles.

Amelia (lv1): Aspect of Reality

{Skill points: !ERROR!}

[Attack type: Strong illusion] [Attack range: x3 field of view]

Skills: [1. Third-person vision] [2. Blurring Mirage] [3. Double] [4. Connect] [5. Vision Swap] [6. Disguise] [7. Flash Mirage] [8. False movement] [9. False Touch] [Mentaltomisis]

[Vortex Battery (Charge)]

Inventory: Frying Pan, knife, mechanical soap.

Sarah (lv1): Aspect of Fiction

[Skill access: 1 skill for each item] [Conjured item 1]

[Vortex Battery (Weapon Recall) (Followers Benefits)]

Low Tier > High Tier > Eldritch God > Elder God

Sciophobalos: Short Teleport 5min (Active/Group) & Teleport Exchange (Passive/Group).

Awakening (Sciophobalos): Greater strength and speed. Changing form depending on darkness.

Arachnochidna: Water Breathing (Passive/Group), Paralysis/Necrosis Spikes (Active).

Awakening (Arachnochidna): Require Climbing and Web Shooting.

Inventory: Mechanical soap, Nezha’s leopard bag (Nezha’s ring, Nezha’s Fire-Tipped Spear), Shovel, Grimoire.

Noah (lv1): Aspect of Emotion

Skills: [Emotion infusion] (Emotional requirement: Medium)

[Vortex Battery (Fall Resistant)]

Inventory: Mechanical soap, Sharpening stone, Anger stone, Tungsten ax.

Diana (lv1): Aspect of Law

[Vortex Battery (Three Talisman: Regen, Resistance, Speed)]

{Laws unlocked: Law of Friction, Newton’s Third Law} {Limit: Only manipulate small values}

Inventory: Mechanical soap, A pickaxe, Night-vision goggles.

Adrian (lv1): Aspect of Knowledge.

[Vortex Battery (Wings Parry)]

{Connected Minds} {Info Extraction} [Limit:Full Basic Info}]

Inventory: Mechanical soap, Rope, Handbook (recorded events), Reinforced glass shield (Red Cross symbol).

Azan (lv1): Aspect of Change.

[Vortex Battery: (Greater Flight)]

{Limitation: 1. Follow under the concept “change” only. 2. Changes under other aspects require hand-holding.}

Change slot: 2

Inventory: Metal suitcase, Mechanical soap, Miniature fan, Blue boxing gloves.

Mina (lv1): Aspect of Time

[Vortex Battery: (Mark Speed)]

{Limitations: 8 skills (Currently)}

Skills (!ERROR!) (Auto Input Activated): |1. Aging| |2. Time Exchange| |3. Time Wrench|

Inventory: Mechanical soap, Yellow boxing gloves, Peepo's remains, Piza's remains, Sandra's remains, The Heart Striker.

Gwen (lv1): Aspect of Destruction

[Vortex Battery (Apply Speed)]

{Limitation: Gas and Liquid only}

Inventory: Mechanical soap, Izzybot, P.T.A, Codex Seraphinianus, Spherical terrarium (containing a black widow), Notepad and pencil, 2 Flesh Syringes, Ice Whale Eye, Bolt Eel.

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?? "Hello, are you there, M101? How is your progress coming along?"

M101 "Hmmm. How very rude... this cold and serious voice. You must be M124. What do you want?"

M124 "Straight forward I see. I already told you what I want... in fact, it wasn't my personal request but The Third General's."

M101 "Ah, I understand. Currently, I'm flying straight west above the Atlantic Ocean from the base. I can tell that their Headquarters is somewhere isolated in The US. I say it's in a desert."

M124 "How can you be so sure? Is it because of your power?"

M101 "Yes, I did put a heat marker on one of them before. But they never lead to any place that I would call a base. However, I did manage to place one on a very particular little girl..."

M124 "Eww... what?"

M101 "Don't take things out of context, M124. That's an order."

M124 "Fine, just don't say things with that creepy voice."

M101 "Very well. Oh, and in case The wielders somehow make their way there. I'll tell report immediately."

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

M124 "Thanks for the heads up."

With a final click, the phone call ends and a fleeting figure vanishes around the corner.

M124 "Just come out, M114. Do you have something to say?"

M114 "Of fucking course I have! Who the hell was that?!"

M124 "It's M101. His progress is doing well."

M114 "No, I'm not talking about him! I'm talking about that shadowy dude that just disappeared behind you! He even tapped your shoulder! And then... like stroke his hat."

M124 "W-What... are you trying to scare me?! Nice try, dipshit."

M124 stomps away but... but there's... this feeling... an uncanny...a watchful feeling.

Fear begins to crack its cocoon deep within her soul.

M114 yearns to reach out, yet... the force of her mood holds him back.

M114 "Dammit... I also wanted to say be careful and good luck on the mission."

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Beneath the towering majesty of an old oak, a youth meditates. His eyes close off the physical realm, while his mind entwines with the rhythm of nature, deciphering the sounds around him.

Suddenly, the peaceful air shatters with a barrage of crossbow bolts, converging on him from all directions.

Kanji "Too predictable, Claire."

He dodges them while seated.

Claire "Aw, man. I'm sure that would have hit!"

Kanji "I wasn't saying that your attacks were bad is just I have kind of an unfair advantage. But hey you're getting better at shooting while jumping around."

Claire "Yeah, Diana showed me a thing or two about acrobatics. Did you know she is such a sportaholic?! Like she has 5 copies of each Olympic event from 1980 to today!"

Kanji "Really, she never told me. I always thought she was a gym-only type of person."

Diana "Yeah, really sorry about that boss. I didn't mean to keep it from ya."

Kanji "Everyone has their secrets. It's understandable. Anyway, are the others ready to move out?"

Diana "Yes, boss. Especially, Sarah. Like holy shit, I don't what the fuck happened but the last time I checked she looked like she just returned from a war! Do you want me to call her over?"

Kanji "Yes, gather everyone."

Diana rallies the remaining wielders, yet Sarah is nowhere to be seen. After a fruitless search, she abandons the pursuit and returns to Kanji.

Diana "Sorry, boss. I can't find her-

Azan lifts a finger to the sky... a plummeting presence.

Dave "Bruh is that... is that Sas bro?! How in the who hah did she get up there?!"

Gwen "Oh hold on... what's that... It's her ring. She is flying on her ring!"

Sarah jumps, a ring plunging earthwards in her wake.

The ring skitters and surges towards Sarah. From her arsenal, she draws a great sword, anchoring it into the earth. A pair of daggers is next, launched to tilt the ring sideways.

Although it cleaves through the mighty blade, the ring's pace is reduced enough for Sarah to jump over it. An axe flashes from her grip, its swing arresting the ring's movement.

Applause resonates, admiration echoing for her display of power.

Sarah's gaze shifts from her shattered great blade to Azan.

Sarah "A-Azan... can you get a new great blade? A Zweihander would even do."

Azan "Fine but don't break this one too okay? All your new stuff is made from tungsten you know. That stuff is expensive especially due to inflation."

Kanji notes the tattered remnants of her attire, battle scars and bruises adorning her arms.

Gwen strides forward, twin syringes glinting in her grasp.

Gwen "Here, these will help with the injuries."

Sarah "Hey, it's... it's not that bad.-

Gwen "Lift up your shirt."

Baring her midriff, Sarah reveals swathes of normal bandages.

Delicately, Gwen unwinds them. Each one reveals another stab wound. A collective gasp rings the room as Gwen applies the syringe.

Mina "Jesus! Sarah! What did you do to yourself?!"

Sarah "Everyone, it's okay. I just want to increase my pain tolerance. It sort of... worked. Okay, maybe... I wasn't thinking right."

Kanji "Oh but I believe you were thinking. Not about the pain but your style of fighting. I sense you have found some kind of enlightenment."

Sarah "Yes, I've looked back to the past. My failures and hardships. I realized my trial told me a very important that I... I must use what I can and what I already have. That way I can overcome anything! The answer at the end of that lesson is Unpredictability!"

Kanji "Wow, you come so far from the introverted girl that we first met. Unpredictability... The Unknown is a weakness that every sentience lifeform has. Even the experienced can be defeated through unfamiliarity. In fact, I think most wars are won because the other side never witnessed certain variables. Whether they be tactics or weaponry. Sarah, I'm very proud of you and everyone here."

Out of sight, Noah walks up to Sarah.

Noah "I remember when you said you would become The Unknown itself. I didn't know you meant it like literally."

Sarah "Dude, I was serious. Are you making fun of me?"

Noah "Definitely not. Though I do feel like I'm not the cool one in our duo anymore. All, I learned was juggling and testing new emotions."

Sarah "Hey! That sounds... cool."

Shame paints his face as Noah looks away, even while Sarah tries to comfort him.

Kanji "Guys. You all did great with your training. Remember this... don't let your new strength blind you. The journey we are taking is full of dangers and we must be vigilant to come out on the other end. Let's move out!"

All "Hell yeah!"

Stepping out of their training realm, they greet the real world with open arms. They find it hard to believe how the wind feels nearly identical to the place they came from, yet it fails to halt their reunion with the RV. On their floors, they reminisce... The passing days were a blur of chaos... and with each ticking minute, the future appears even more stranger.

Kanji summons everyone to the ground floor.

Kanji "Mina, are you okay with driving us to The Nevada desert?"

Mina "Yes, of course. I went to that place a bunch of times. I remembered it was pretty empty but I'll trust Sarah."

Sarah "Well, it is a secret headquarter for a reason you know."

Azan "I'll watch over her in case something occurs."

Kanji "Excellence. As for the rest of us. What you do guys want to do?"

In Claire's arm are the game boxes— Uno, Monopoly, and Cards Against Humanity. Their faces light up and they scurry up to her floor. Watching their departure, Azan and Mina bear a bit sad, though they accept that someone needs to drive.

Azan "Welp, there goes our opportunity to bond with the others. Mina, are you feeling okay? You look... disturbed."

Mina "Ye-Yeah... hey, Azan. I was thinking... Do you... Do you fear death?"

Azan "Why are you asking this all of a sudden?"

Mina "Umm... you know... I just want to know how you feel about it and compare perspectives. Though, now that I think about it. Death is a very bleak subject. I should think about happy thoughts. Happy thoughts. Yes."

Azan "No, it's fine to ask about it. To enjoy the good things in life, you have to acknowledge the bad ones. That way we can defeat them. As for my perspective, yes I do fear death but not for a selfish reason. But rather I fear the result that my death could cause. It could hurt the feelings of my friends and no one would take over my father's legacy."

Mina "I see... yeah. You're right. I'm afraid that my death could harm my friends in any way. Before we even met, death wasn't a big deal when being around my parents. Danger was commonplace and I was really alone for a long time. I always thought I would live my life without ever... meeting you guys. I thought... we would be just... distant friends on the internet... with no r-real con-connection."

Tears erupt from her. Azan's gaze lingers on her before he tenderly brushes the droplets from her cheeks.

Azan "Hey, looks like dreams do come true. I'm here and everyone is here too so stop crying and focus on the road."

Mina's eyes dart forward just in time to see the looming tree. She drifts the RV, narrowly missing the bark. A shared glance with Azan evolves which then turns into a wave of laughter.

AN "Aww, they are so perfect together! Though I can't tell them that. Such developments must be taken nice and slow. How are the others doing?"

AN peeks into the other panels, catching the crew thoroughly engrossed in Uno.

AN "Oh right! I got the detecting device ready!"

A pyramid-shaped object, blue as dark as night, disrupts the game, crashing into the heart of the Uno circle.

They huddle around to scan the object. Each facet features an engraved eye, its pupils rendered as intriguing concentric rings.

Diana "What the fuck is this thing?!"

Claire "Oh no! It dented my floor!"

AN "Oops! I'm so sorry! I forgot it was very heavy. That is the enemy detecting device, it is capable of detecting entities that harbor ill intentions. I have absolutely no idea how that works but it works and that's what matters. It took a while for us to finish the damn thing because of that stupid rule that I can only send items you guys have never seen before. It became so frustrating that the Voltum decided to go about it a different way and tried to hack into the system."

Kanji "What happened to him?"

AN "It shocked him but he persisted and managed to overwrite it which cause to rule to be changed to can only send items every 30 days. It is a bummer I know but we have to stick with it now."

Kanji "You didn't just come here to tell us that. Aren't you? Is something else happening?"

AN "Yes, a very serious issue. In about eleven days from now, a massive war will break down within the empire. Even though I can't leave this place, I can still influence the battle in a way and need some time to focus on preparation. Will you guys be alright without me?"

Amelia "Awww, are you worried about us?"

Sarah "Don't worry we are tougher than you think!"

Noah "Yeah, we have gotten stronger."

Gwen "And more clever with our abilities."

Diana "No one can get in our way. I can promise that!"

Claire "We will be safe and sound when you return! Good luck on your side as well!"

Dave "Bro, we do be fine. Our mad skills exist outside of time."

Azan "Dave, stop rapping. This isn't the time. Anyway, we wish you luck and we'll be alright."

Mina "Yeah, no worries! Our hope will never die I tell you! We will be okay!"

Kanji "Everyone here is confident we will make it through. I too feel the same. Will you be fine?"

AN "I... Yes! I'll be okay too! I promise to reach you guys again! I swear! Good bye everyone!"

And with that, AN vanishes. The wielders continue playing and they reach their destination just an hour before midday. It is a cave entrance but strangely cool air is being blown from deeper in. Going further, they encounter a steel door. Sarah steps forward and whispers...

And with that, AN vanishes, leaving the wielders to continue their game. As the sun climbs higher, they reach their destination an hour shy of noon. An unexpected cool gust greets them at the mouth of a cave, a steel door standing guard deeper within. Sarah steps forward, murmuring a whispered phrase...

Sarah ["May The Old Ones give passage to old members"]

With an echoing groan, the door swings open to reveal an enormous library.

There are cultists all over the place wearing oversized purple robes. Some are reading and some are gathering at the center singing and chanting. And some are watching them with caution

Oversized purple robes cloak the numerous cultists scattered throughout. Some are engrossed in ancient tomes, while others congregate at the hub, their voices weaving into an eerie chant. A few watch the newcomers with caution.

Sarah "Oh my god, my babies. Look at them all!"

Noah "That's a weird way to phrase it but this is awesome."

?? "Omg! You're here!"

A voice they recognize emerges from the crowd. The sea of cultists parts, saluting as a little girl moves towards Sarah.

?? "I salute The grand eldritch princess, Miss Sarah!"

A communal shock ripples through the cultists, who quickly encircle her, bowing in reverence. On Sarah's face... a smile grows.

Sarah "You did a great job managing this place, Kroma. As for the rest of you, I am proud. I can tell that you have fought tooth and nail under my command but I can also tell that some of you still haven't grasped the power you were given. In due time, you all will learn. Anyway, I also want to introduce to you my comrades or I call them The Secret Daggers."

Dave "Sick name, bro."

Sarah "Ssshhh. This is my moment. Please don't ruin it. Oh, Kroma. Where is Tom?"

?? "Up here young lady."

Tom flies down. His body is entirely different. He is much larger and covered with heavy shells with the body of an ant. He wears a monocle, a fake mustache, and a top hat.

Tom descends, and his form radically changed. He is larger, encased in robust shells, and bears a striking resemblance to an ant. His distinguished accessories— a monocle, a fake mustache, and a top hat— lend an air of whimsy even more than usual.

Sarah "Cool get up, man. What happened to you?"

Gwen "Isn't it obvious? He went through a metamorphosis though I didn't expect that he was an ant larvae. Those sheets of carapace may I touch them?"

Tom "Sure, I see no problem with that. Curiosity is a benefit that fits the youth."

Gwen reaches out, running her fingers over the sharp edges of his shell, experimenting with a scratch and a knock.

Kroma "Ummm... great leader what brings you here?"

Sarah "Oh we just need a safe place to return in case we get into trouble. This place is super guarded right?"

Kroma "Well, we have no problem dealing with those normal cultists but there are reports that our members have seen some very scary ones."

Kanji "They must have seen a major. Seeing that this place has lots of hidden turrets. It won't stop them but would delay them long enough for us to recover."

Sarah "Yeah, we should also leave as soon as possible. I don't want those bastards to attack this place. But before that. I need to teach you how to use these two new powers. Are you ready, Kroma?"

Kroma "Yes! I'm ready!"

Sarah "The first is short teleportation. You can only do this every 5 minutes and for only a short distance. All you have to do is imagine yourself at the place you want to go. The second power is switching places with another member. So imagine that you are standing in that place instead of a teammate. And you both will swap places."

Kroma "Awesome! That sounds easy! I'll make sure to tell everyone!-

The left side of the library bursts open in a fiery explosion.

Emerging through the smoky aftermath, a silhouette slowly walks out. The wielders ready their weapons.

The figure halts...

?? "So this is where you rats are hiding. Fear my name as M101. This place will be your grave!"

As the smoke dies, a challenging stare meets the wielders' wary eyes.

M101 "Wait, who the fuck are you rats?"

(To be continued)